Pakistan

Government replies to 18th amendment petitions

Express May 28, 2010

ISLAMABAD: The federal government has raised objections on the presence of the Chief Justice in the larger bench hearing the 18th amendment petitions.

In a reply to petitions against the 18th amendment, the government said that Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry is directly involved in the appointment of judges and so he should not be a part of the full court bench.

The government, in its reply, stated that the Supreme Court can interpret the constitution but can not nullify an amendment.

The federal government also said that Justice Zahid Hussain is not a part of the full court bench, hence the court is not a full court.

It said the 18th Amendment does not affect the judiciary's independence, as the three pillars of state have been given representation for judges’ appointment.

The centre has asked the Supreme Court to dismiss the petition and impose a fine on it.

Around 15 petitions were filed in the apex court against the 18th Amendment.

Overall, the petitioners have challenged the judicial commission for the appointment of superior courts’ judges, saying it was against the basic structure of the Constitution.

A 17-judge full court had asked the government to submit its preliminary objections to the petitions.

COMMENTS (1)

Saad | 14 years ago | Reply Spot on! If judiciary is so interested in correcting the Constitution it should hear the pending appeal against 17th amendment lie in the Supreme Court registry for years. We thought the judges had learned their lesson but it is obvious that had they been given a chance they would have gladly taken oath on PCO again. Declaring war, raising standards, these men in black have made a mockery out of the justice system and doing it in the name of justice.

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